Route Summary
This is a very pleasant walk in a mixed rural landscape. The terrain is generally flat with no steep inclines. The route passes the tower house known as Udny Castle and the picturesque village of Udny Green. The gardens and museum at Pitmedden House are well worth a visit.
Duration: 2 hours
Route Overview
Duration: 2 hours.
Transport/Parking: There is an infrequent Stagecoach bus service from Ellon to Pitmedden. Check timetables. Pitmedden House NTS car-park (charges apply for non-members).
Length: 6.340 km / 3.96 mi
Height Gain: 73 meter
Height Loss: 73 meter
Max Height: 64 meter
Min Height: 92 meter
Surface: Moderate. Generally good walking surfaces but some sections may be muddy after wet weather.
Child Friendly: Yes, if children are used to walks of this distance.
Difficulty: Easy.
Dog Friendly: Yes. Under close control at all times and on lead on public roads. Pick up, bag and remove any mess!
Refreshments: Excellent cafe in Pitmedden House. A fine dining experience at Eat on the Green in Udny Green.
Description
This is a fine example of a rural walk in NE Scotland. The route alternates between mature broadleaf woodland and open farmland. In the mid-section of the walk we pass Udny Castle, in the familiar style of a Scottish tower house. Its exact construction date is unknown, but its foundations probably date from the late 14th or early 15th century. The castle is popularly associated with Jamie Fleeman (1713–1778), known as “the Laird of Udny’s Feel”. Although described as a fool, he had a reputation for his witticisms and there are many, possibly, anecdotal tales about him. He was probably the last family jester in Scotland. The turning point on the walk is the charming and picturesque village square at Udny Green, with its fine church (with Mott House), old cottages, renowned restaurant “Eat On The Green”, and, of course, the eponymous village green. On the return section, and especially when following a belt of mature trees towards Pitmedden there are some fine views of open countryside. At the end of the walk there is the option to take in the gardens and museum of farming life at Pitmedden House. The formal gardens are recreated in the formal 18th Century Renaissance style. In summer, the floral borders and fruit gardens are also a delight, whilst the museum is an interesting and important record of agricultural life in former times. This is a National Trust for Scotland location, so the usual charges apply if you are not a member.
Links:
Photos from walk
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The Mack Walks 